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How well do you know Darrell Issa?

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) is the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which has spearheaded some of the recent Hill hearings on the Department of Justice and the IRS. But how well do you know him? Take POLITICO’s quiz to find out.

1. In 2003, Issa surprised California by announcing that he would not be running for governor, as had been expected. What calling did he announce he would be pursuing instead?
A. Attending seminary
B. Finding peace in the Middle East
C. Education
D. Electronics manufacturing

Answer: B. Finding peace in the Middle East. Issa, inspired by his Lebanese roots, had always wanted to dedicate himself to resolving conflict in the region. While in Congress, he helped to negotiate the end of Syria’s occupation of Lebanon and now sits on the board of directors of the American Task Force for Lebanon.

Answer: B. Danny Thomas. Issa has said that he related to the star of the sitcom, "Make Room for Daddy," because they are both of Lebanese heritage.

5. What was the highest position that Issa held in the U.S. Army?
A. Major
B. First Lieutenant
C. Colonel
D. Captain

Answer: D. Captain. When Issa left the Army in 1980, he held the rank of captain. He had served from 1970-72 and 1976-80.

REUTERS

6. How does Issa’s net worth stack up against that of his fellow members of Congress?
A. About average.
B. Far and away the wealthiest.
C. In the bottom quarter.
D. The second-wealthiest member of Congress.

JAY WESTCOTT/POLITICO

Answer: D. The second-wealthiest member of Congress. OpenSecrets cites Issa’s net worth as $480.3 million as of 2011, making him the second-wealthiest member of the House and wealthier than any member of the Senate, just behind Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas), whose net worth is about $500.6 million.

7. Issa is known for meticulously managing his image. Which of the following terms did his aides reportedly use to describe this effort?
A. Issa Inc.
B. Issa Management
C. Issa Enterprises
D. Issa Communications

8. Which company did Issa found before being elected as a representative?
A. Directed Electronics
B. Scottrade
C. E-Trade Financial Corp.
D. BlackBerry

John Shinkle/POLITICO

Answer: A. Directed Electronics. Issa founded the vehicle-security products company in 1982, and the company’s profit has gone a long way in funding his political career.

9. True or False: Issa has never run for the Senate.
A. True
B. False

POLITICO Screen grab

Answer: B. False. Issa made a Senate run in California in 1998, but lost to Matt Fong in the Republican primary. The incumbent Democrat, Barbara Boxer, went on to win the general election.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this slide misidentified the year in which Issa ran for Senate.

David Plouffe

C. David Plouffe. The former senior Obama aide criticized Issa in a tweet after the congressman called White House press secretary Jay Carney a “paid liar” on CNN. It read: “Strong words from Mr Grand Theft Auto and suspected arsonist/insurance swindler. And loose ethically today” and linked to a video of Issa’s comment. Plouffe was referencing decades-old allegations that Issa was a car thief, for which he was never convicted.